Friday, April 29, 2011

After two 10-hour flights from Seattle to Johannesburg, via Amsterdam (and a close call nearly missing my flight in AMS), I've arrived at the Marion on Nicol - a new boutique hotel in the Sandton suburb of Jo'burg. The hotel only offers 24 rooms, 23 standard and 1 junior suite, so it immediately has a cozy and welcoming feel. Front desk staff were pleasant and happy to help me with a late-night grilled cheese sandwich request.

The room is quite spacious and done in cool greens and blues. A private balcony overlooks the garden, swimming pool and lights of Sandton's city center. It's very quiet and the perfect place to catch up on sleep after a long-haul flight. The en suite bathroom features an enormous soaking tub, walk-in rain shower and beautiful stone work. It's chic, modern and classic all at the same time. Flat screen TV: check. Mini-bar: check. Hair dryer: check. Welcome wine: check!

So far, I'm impressed and we'll do a full site inspection tomorrow. Stay tuned! Then, the New Frontiers exploratory group returns to JNB and board the flight to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe! Here's to a new adventure!